James Maddison axed as Tottenham star ‘not want Ange Postecoglou wants’
James Maddison has lost ground in the race for a place in the Tottenham starting XI due to the form of Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Matar Sarr, says Glenn Hoddle.
The Spurs legend believes current manager Ange Postecoglou is keen to use a midfield pairing of the Sweden and Senegal internationals due to their combined energy.
Premier League game time was less forthcoming for Maddison in the games immediately before the November international break.
He only came off the bench as a substitute in the final ten minutes of the last two league games, including the disappointing defeat to Ipswich Town.
By contrast, Kulusevski has featured in every game Tottenham have played since the start of this season, and Hoddle believes his link-up with with Sarr is now making it hard for Maddison to get back into the side.
Discussing the form of those options available to Postecoglou in midfield, the former England manager told talkSPORT: “Kulusevski had a chance when Maddison was injured to play in that number 10 role. And he’s done such a positive amount of work in there with the ball and without the ball. He really has.
“He’s come alive. If you said to me, who’s the best player at Tottenham this year so far? Kulusevski by a mile. He really has been good in that position.
“He loves playing in that position. I think he had a couple of games or a little bit of a spell at Juventus there. But, you know, he does great on the wing.
“But since he’s been in there, and I think there’s certain games he’s played the pair of them in there, but since he’s put (Pape Matar) Sarr in there, a bit of energy, particularly in the second half.
“That’s the midfield that he wants the balance for. I think James is a wonderful player. And before his injury, I think he was doing excellent for Spurs… But I think it’s Kulusevski that’s the real reason why he hasn’t been able to put him in.”
James Maddison must be ready for his next Tottenham chance
Football Insider Opinion
It does feel as though it may be hard for the England international to force his way back into the starting lineup for Spurs for the time being.
As Hoddle himself says, Kulusevski has been outstanding for Postecoglou’s side so far this season.
Indeed, he currently has five assists for the North London club during the current campaign, more than any other player.
It would therefore be hard to justify dropping either him or Sarr, with the duo becoming an effective foil for each other.
Given Tottenham could also look for another midfield signing in January, there could even more competition for Maddison in the near future.
However, there is a good chance that with such a long and busy season still to come there will be more opportunities for the 27-year-old to show how important he is to this side.
Once those come along he must take those chances in the same way Kulusevski has done, to ensure he does not give Postecoglou a reason to take him back out of the XI.
Given the form he has shown for Tottenham this season, he may feel there is a likelihood he will be able to do that, once the opportunity comes along.
In other news, Rodrigo Bentancur has broken his silence after his suspension by the FA was confirmed.
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